The NZ Taxi Federation has called on the Government to help 'clean up' the industry, saying deregulation is an experiment that hasn't worked and citing concerns over vehicle safety standards, female passenger safety, and local area knowledge.Tim Reddish (NZ Taxi Federation); Kathy McCormick (Angel Taxis).
The Pitcairn Appeal Court will from this week begin hearing the case of seven Pitcairn Islanders accused of sexual abuse. Simon Moore (Pitcairn Public Prosecutor); Allan Roberts (Deputy Public Defender); Matthew Forbes (Pitcairn Deputy Governor).
Militants in Iraq are threatening to behead two Americans and a Briton held hostage, unless the US releases several female militants held as prisoners.
Demonstrators in Rome have demanded the Italian government act to secure the release from kidnappers of two Italian women taken hostage in Iraq two weeks ago.
Overstretched after-hours clinics at several hospitals around the country are warning they may have to cut hours and/or services due to funding changes, rising costs, and doctor shortages. Dr Alistair Sullivan (White Cross Accident and Medical); voxpop (patients); Colin Feek (Ministry of Health).
A sudden snowstorm is causing problems for farmers and residents in the South Island. voxpop (truckdrivers); Alan Day (Works Infrastructure); Jim McDonald (farmer).
Report on upcoming local body elections around the country, including 'teething problems' caused by the use for the first time of the Single Transferable Vote (STV) voting system in certain areas. Mike Reed (Local Government NZ); Doug Jackson (Dunedin Electoral Officer); Huw Evans (Hamilton East Candidate).
The small Samoan village of Siumu is preparing to take legal action against the Samoan Government over a land ownership dispute. Atanoa Niu'ula (Siumu Chief); Tapu Salaia Lautogia (Siumu Chief); Tuuu Faletoese (Siumu Orator); Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi (Prime Minister); Asuao Ta'alili (Siumu resident).
Veterans of a famous WWII battle in the Netherlands have commemorated the 60th anniversary of the battle with a parachute jump. Harry Herbert (Battle of Arnhem veteran).
Primary school teachers are set to vote on a payrise and an easing of their workload. The Primary School Teachers Union is recommending its members accept a Government offer of an average 8.5% payrise over the next three years.
Several charities that work with the homeless want it to be made law that local councils look after those who sleep rough. voxpop (homeless people); Wilf Holt (Auckland City Mission social worker); Peter Dobson (census Research Committee); John Banks (Mayor of Auckland).
Several residents living in Maraenui in the Eastern Bay of Plenty are worried about the safety of one of NZ's most scenic roads. The road was damaged in February's floods and some residents claim it was reopened prematurely. Rick van Barneveld (Transit NZ CEO); Lyn Parekura (Maraenui resident).